Bonsai Pruning

We want to thank Erik, an authorized dealer for King Arthur’s Tools, for providing these pictures showing how he utilizes the Merlin Carving Set in the art of Bonsai.

These photos are from a demonstration Erik presented to the Southwest Florida Bonsai Society.

Erik defoliates the tree so that he can see the structure of the tree.

After deciding how he wants to style the tree Erik removes the large branches with a reciprocating saw. He uses the Merlin Carving Set with the red tungsten carbide disc to grind down the stubs where he removed the branches.

His goal is to contour the trunk to make it appear as natural as possible and says he’s found that it easier to get that natural look using the Merlin than with hand tools.

The final result of this styling. The tree will send out more growth and then Erik will begin to wire additional branches and shape it to a more finished tree. Erik also uses the 8-tooth chainsaw disc to sculpt dead wood on harder wood varieties like button wood.